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Comparison: Viewing and Imaging

The type of visualizing method that is used depends on the part of the body and the problem being investigated. Imaging creates a picture using information about the nature of a tissue, such as its density or the activity of its cells. Viewing, such as endoscopy, provides a direct view of body cavities and other internal organs and structures.

Image produced by MRI scanning

An MRI scan shows all the structures, tissues, and cavities within the area being scanned. In this MRI, the nasal cavity and brain tissues are normal.

View down an endoscope

One use of endoscopy is to investigate and view abnormalities within body cavities. This view through an endoscope shows a polyp inside the nasal cavity.